A light aircraft crashed and burst into flames in the Kwachocha area of Malindi on the afternoon of Friday, January 10.
The accident happened along the Malindi-Mombasa Highway, where the plane crash-landed near the roadside.
Videos shared by Kenyans.co.ke captured the plane engulfed in flames, with thick smoke still rising at the time the footage was taken.
Reports indicate there were no survivors from the crash. Disturbingly, there are also claims that some schoolchildren walking home at the time may have been caught in the flames, though this has yet to be confirmed.
In the videos reviewed, at least two fatalities were visible. The deceased, a man and a woman, were reportedly on a motorcycle when the plane came down.
The aircraft struck their heads as it attempted to land.
Their lifeless bodies were seen lying on the side of the road near the burning wreckage, with the man’s body face down and the woman’s body face up, showing severe head injuries with blood visible.
The motorcycle they had been riding was seen lying nearby on the ground.
The aircraft reportedly crashed into a newly constructed hotel that was yet to be opened. The impact also caused parts of the nearby buildings to catch fire.
Several motorcycles parked close to the site were affected by the flames. Videos shared with the media show significant fire damage to structures near the highway.
Emergency response teams, including firefighters and ambulances, quickly arrived at the crash site.
Photos from the scene show hundreds of local residents gathered, watching as responders worked to contain the situation.
The crash has caused heavy traffic congestion on the busy Malindi-Mombasa Highway.
The cause of the accident and the number of people aboard the plane remain unknown as authorities have yet to release any official statements on the incident.
This tragic accident adds to a series of recent plane crashes reported in Kenya over the past year.
Among them was the April crash that took the life of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and nine other military officers.
In another incident on September 16, a chartered flight carrying ten passengers and one crew member crashed during takeoff in Migori County.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities in that accident.
Earlier in March, a mid-air collision occurred over Nairobi National Park involving a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 commercial plane and a Cessna 172M training aircraft.
The Dash 8 managed to return safely to Wilson Airport with all 44 passengers unharmed. Tragically, the Cessna crashed, killing both occupants.
This latest plane crash in Malindi further underscores growing concerns over aviation safety in the country.
More footage: Small plane crash in Kurawa Malindi pic.twitter.com/F9Vj48msvj
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) January 10, 2025
